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› › D E S I GNING IN PHO T OSHOP
- CONVERT TEXT TO SHAPE FOR CUSTOM TEXT (LIKE ILLUSTRATOR)
Converting a text layer into a vector shape layer means
that you’ll no longer be able to edit the text; but you’ll
be able to use the Direct Selection tool (A) and the Path
Selection tool to make custom modifications to the
characters. Keep in mind this conversion can’t be reversed.
You can either Right-click your text layer in the Layers
panel and choose Convert to Shape, or go to Type>Convert
to Shape. This is usually done to create a type effect, such
as a logo mark. Using the Direct Selection tool, drag points
to manipulate the text shapes, elongating or shortening
parts of the letters. You can marquee over two corner
points to select them and use the Up or Down Arrow keys
to elongate or shorten that part of the letter.
- APPLY NONDESTRUCTIVE FILTERS TO LIVE TEXT
Turning a text layer into a smart object will keep the text
editable inside the smart object, and it will allow you to
apply filters nondestructively to the text. Any filters will be
added as smart filters, making it easy to revert or change
the text. To convert the text to a smart object, just Right-
click on the layer’s name in the Layers panel and select
Convert to Smart Object. But even if you forget to convert
the text before you select a filter, Photoshop will politely
ask if you’d like to Rasterize the text or Convert to Smart
Object. If you want to change the text without having to
reapply the effects, just double-click the thumbnail of the
text smart object in the Layers panel. This will open a tem-
porary file with your text. Change the text, close and save
the temporary document, and when you return to the PSD
file, you’ll see the changes apply to the text but the effects
are still the same.
